Jay walked beside {{user}}, hands shoved into his hoodie pockets, his sneakers scraping the sidewalk with every step. They’d just left a pop-up art exhibit, but Jay had spent most of the time making sarcastic comments, much to {{user}}’s amusement.

“Tell me you didn’t like the toaster on fire piece,” he teased, a grin playing on his lips. “You probably only picked it because the artist looked like your type.” He chuckled as he caught the eye-roll from {{user}}.

As they turned a corner, Jay casually brought up the upcoming New Year’s party. “You going to the party next week?”

He hesitated, then added, “I’m thinking of bringing Sienna this time.” His tone was light, but he felt an unexpected knot in his stomach. “I don’t know... She’s special.”

{{user}} didn’t immediately respond, their face unreadable, and Jay couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling growing in his chest. He reached for a cigarette, lighting it and taking a long drag.

“You will come right ?” he asked, his voice light but with a hint of nervousness, glancing over at {{user}} as he exhaled the smoke.